Pilot study on private participation in road sector: policy review

Abstract

Sustainable development required efficient and effective network of roads and Bridge for timely movement of men and materials. Therefore road development has been emphasized during all the five-year plans consequently, over the last 4 decades total freight and passenger movement have increased tremendously such that one can safely call the Indian economy has predominantly Road dominated vis-à-vis rail. However, the availability of roads and bridges in terms of both quantity and quality is quite inadequate. Under the pressing needs of globalization and technological innovations has the sector needs immediate attention otherwise the economic survival of the country will be difficulty. Further the work to be done he is so much that it cannot be completed by the public sector alone. Besides augmentation of scarce resource more efficient and effective system is required to meet the increasing demands and making available the fruits of development to the common men through the country. No doubt this Central as well as state governments are aware of the situation and talking very bold and innovative decisions. They have modified their road policies to accommodate privatization and introduce commercialization in the sector to have to more investment and efficiency with the proper checks and balances the emerging Framework would the decrease government burden and server interest of both investors and consumers. Though not spectacular but noticeable change has already started talking place in government public sector Outlook and private participation. Obviously there are impediments and success will not be quite easy and smooth and continuous examination of legal and technical issues is going. For example, the task force on infrastructure has set up sub groups on March 11, 1919, to prepare a blueprint to suggest modes for financing expressways and Golden Quadrangle and recommend measures to talk to tackle hurdles in implementation. The task force has also set up a sub-group to determine the extent to which day d the road sector can observe funds and suggest ways and means to allocate funds for road construction over different periods. Thus, with the corporation and contribution of the Government and private promotes as well as different Institutions and sections of economy the desired targets might be achieved. This study and attempt to review the new policy measures at center and state level post on the new policy measures introduced in Gujarat. Gujarat a leading state policy reforms, has private participation in two expresses ways, 6 roads projects 3 bridge and get over bridges. These are at various stages of implementation of them only two projects namely Vadodara Halol Road project and ROB Bharuch project were cover for closer study. But both the projects being in initial stages but information could not be collected however the study with quite scanty data reveals a number of issues which need reconsideration. Basically based on opinion survey it concludes that it is good starting but not very easy and popularly they have are happy and willing to pay for the upgraded services but a large segment basically consisting of have notes were critical about the new development the academicians and social researchers feel that perceptions about growth, more and less seem to be positive but about development they have a number of apprehensions. Much remind to be seen the report of the pilot study is divided in four chapters for chapter namely, scope and methodology government policy at Central and state level sample projects and Observations and suggestions. I look forward for more suggestions for making the study useful for all those who are concerned with road sector.